CLEVELAND – The Browns will be without dependable tight end Austin Hooper for Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals after he underwent an appendectomy.
The team said Hooper, who signed a four-year, $42 million contract with Cleveland as a free agent this year, had the operation Friday at University Hospitals. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said the 25-year-old Hooper shouldn’t miss significant time.
If Hooper has to be placed on injured reserve, he would automatically miss three games.
A two-time Pro Bowler in four seasons with Atlanta, Hooper has 22 catches for 205 yards this season. He’s caught at least five passes in each of Cleveland’s past three games and has been a key blocker for the Browns’ league-leading rushing attack.